Fluid injection apparatus having lift assembly shaft levers

ABSTRACT

The apparatus is propelled or towed in a longitudinal direction over a field and the apparatus components engage the field surface to inject fluid beneath the field surface. Generally, the apparatus is a frame and at least one series of fluid distribution discs rotationally coupled at end portions of arm assemblies pivotally suspended from the frame. The fluid distribution discs include a plurality of fluid distribution channels that radiate from the fluid distribution disc origin to conically shaped tines connected at the perimeter of the fluid distribution disc. The fluid distribution channels are aligned with similar channels within a bushing securable to the fluid distribution disc radial portion. A stationary plate or disc valve has a disc valve fluid channel in a disc valve radial surface, which is in contact with the rotating bushing radial surface resulting in a periodic alignment between the disc valve fluid channel and each of the bushing channels. Fluid is pumped to a fluid port in a hub having a fluid port in fluid communication with the disc valve fluid channel. As the tines of the fluid distribution disc penetrate the field surface, fluid is channeled through the disc valve into the fluid distribution disc channels and the tines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is relevant to the field of soil treatment apparatuses.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Fertilizer is a common and preferred treatment used in modernagriculture. Liquid fertilizers are often preferred for their ease ofdelivery to agricultural roots systems. Prior apparatus are disclosed inthe following United States or foreign patents; U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 200256554 J W Hargraves et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,169 F JMikstiz, U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,724 R B Wheeley, Jr., U.S. Pat. No.5,178,078 D B Pendergrass, U.S. Pat. No. 4,919,060 W F Cady, U.S. Pat.No. 4,677,921 M A Brown, U.S. Pat. No. 4,649,836 L Overocker, U.S. Pat.No. 4,677,921 M J Kordon, U.S. Pat. No. 4,034,686 W C Collens, U.S. Pat.No. 3,926,131 W C Collens, U.S. Pat. No. 3,716,005 J W Fennell, U.S.Pat. No. 3,602,166 M L Peterson, U.S. Pat. No. 3,211,114 B Ucinhaska,U.S. Pat. No. 3,143,090 R D Cecil et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,025,806 A W.Peck, U.S. Pat. No. 2,975,735 W T Purvance, U.S. Pat. No. 2,876,718 J BVaughan, U.S. Pat. No. 2,866,422 R L Colson, U.S. Pat. No. 2,845,884 P KClausing et al., FR1107575 De Lomine et al., U.S. Pat. No. 2,649,060 C AHawkins et al., U.S. Pat. No. 2,649,061 C A Hawkins et al., GB643395,U.S. Pat. No. 2,384,469 J Kalix, U.S. Pat. No. 2,139,306 C Gaffney, U.S.Pat. No. 2,072,331 W R Hanna, U.S. Pat. No. 1,871,529 G C Karshner, U.S.Pat. No. 1,424,728 H Knight et al., U.S. Pat. No. RE15,151 H Knight,1,359,177 H Knight, U.S. Pat. No. 1,171,277 H D Thayer, U.S. Pat. No.1,117,333 W Cooper, DE225866 A Lucht, U.S. Pat. No. 5,107,895 L.Pattison et al. However, none of the above patents however disclose theaspects of the current invention.

SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION

The invention is summarized below only for purposes of introducingembodiments of the invention. The ultimate scope of the invention is tobe limited only to the claims that follow the specification.

The invention is incorporated in a fluid injection apparatus. Theapparatus is propelled or towed in a longitudinal direction over a fieldand the apparatus components engage the field surface to inject fluidbeneath the field surface. Generally, the apparatus comprises a frameand at least one series of transversely distributed fluid distributiondiscs rotationally coupled at distal end portions of an arm assembliespivotally suspended from the frame. The fluid distribution discs includea plurality of fluid distribution channels that radiate from the fluiddistribution disc origin to conically shaped tines connected at theperimeter of the fluid distribution disc. The fluid distributionchannels are aligned with similar channels within a bushing securable tothe fluid distribution disc radial portion. A stationary plate or discvalve has a disc valve fluid channel in a disc valve radial surface,which is in contact with the rotating bushing radial surface resultingin a periodic alignment between the disc valve fluid channel and each ofthe bushing channels. Fluid is pumped to a fluid port in a hub having afluid port in fluid communication with the disc valve fluid channel. Asthe tines of the fluid distribution disc penetrate the field surface,fluid is channeled through the disc valve into the fluid distributiondisc channels and the tines connected thereto.

The description of the invention which follows, together with theaccompanying drawings should not be construed as limiting the inventionto the example shown and described, because those skilled in the art towhich this invention appertains will be able to devise other formsthereof within the ambit of the appended claims.

BRIEF DRAWING DESCRIPTIONS

The drawings depict one or more embodiments incorporating one or moreaspects of the invention but are not determinative of the scope of theclaims that follow this description.

FIG. 1A illustrates a first alternate embodiment of the apparatus;

FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the first alternate embodiment ofapparatus in a fluid injection orientation characterized by the fluiddistribution discs 42 in contact with the ground surface 2 and the tines60 penetrating the ground surface 2;

FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of the first alternate embodiment ofapparatus in a traveling orientation characterized by neither the fluiddistribution discs 42 nor the tines 60 in contact with the groundsurface 2;

FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of an arm assembly 20 embodiment coupledto the fluid distribution disc 42 at one distal end and the liftassembly shaft 84 at the other distal end;

FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of an arm assembly 20 of the embodiment;

FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of an alternative arm assembly 20 of theembodiment;

FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of the arm assembly 20 of the embodiment

FIG. 4A illustrates a side view cutaway of a fluid distribution disc 42;

FIG. 4B illustrates a exploded perspective view of the fluiddistribution disc 42;

FIG. 4C illustrates a closer exploded perspective view of the fluiddistribution disc 42;

FIG. 5A illustrates a side view of the fluid distribution disc 42;

FIG. 5B illustrates a front view of the fluid distribution disc 42;

FIG. 5C illustrates a forward view cutaway of the fluid distributiondisc 42;

FIG. 6A illustrates a side view of a bushing 44;

FIG. 6B illustrates a cutaway of the bushing 44;

FIG. 7A illustrates a side view of a first side of a disc valve 46;

FIG. 7B illustrates a cutaway of the disc valve 46;

FIG. 7C illustrates a side view of a second side of the disc valve 46;

FIG. 8A illustrates a x-ray side view of a hub 50;

FIG. 8B illustrates a cutaway view of the hub 50;

FIG. 9 illustrates a x-ray side view of an axle 32;

FIG. 10 illustrates a x-ray view of a hub tube 54;

FIG. 11 illustrates a hub spring 56;

FIG. 12 illustrates a tine 60;

FIG. 13A illustrates a front view of a forward lift assembly shaft 104;

FIG. 13B illustrates a side view of the forward lift assembly shaft 104;

FIG. 13C illustrates a front view of a rear lift assembly shaft 104;

FIG. 13D illustrates a side view of the rear lift assembly shaft 104;

FIG. 14A illustrates a top view of a second alternative embodiment ofthe apparatus;

FIG. 14B illustrates a side view of the second alternative embodiment ofthe apparatus in fluid injection orientation characterized by the fluiddistribution discs 42 contacting the ground surface 2;

FIG. 14C illustrates specific detail of the means for lifting the armassemblies 20 of the second alternative embodiment of the apparatus;

FIG. 15A illustrates a top view of the third alternative embodiment ofthe apparatus;

FIG. 15B illustrates a side view of the second alternative embodiment ofthe apparatus in fluid injection orientation characterized by the fluiddistribution discs 42 contacting the ground surface 2; and

FIG. 16 illustrates a fluid distribution circuit.

DESCRIPTIONS OF EMBODIMENTS

It is to be understood that the descriptions below are merelyillustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention andthat no limitations are intended to the detail of construction or designherein shown other than as defined in the appended claims.

Each apparatus described herein is referred to as a fluid injectionapparatus as this combination of terms best describes the intended andpreferred use of each embodiment described below. For ease ofdescription, each apparatus generally comprises a frame, one or more armassemblies 20, and one or more fluid distribution discs 42 coupled bythe arm assemblies 20 to the frame. The fluid distribution discs 42further have tines 60 coupled to the perimeter of the fluid distributiondiscs 42 through which fluid is pumped. Soil injection with a describedembodiment of the apparatus comprises moving the apparatus over a fieldwhile the tines 60 of the fluid distribution discs 42 sequentiallypierce the ground 2 or field surface that is injected with fluid. Fluidas described herein contemplates all compositions in which moleculespass easily over each other; however, a liquid solution will be presumedfor the description below since liquid solutions will be the most commonfluids used with the present invention. As used herein, “longitudinal”generally refers to the direction traveled by the apparatus when it isbeing propelled over a ground surface 2 to be injected.

The frame of the apparatus provides the skeletal structure for thecomponents of the apparatus. Though not specifically limited thereto, itis contemplated and preferred that common agricultural vehicles will towthe apparatus. As such, a first preferred frame is illustrated in FIGS.1A-1C and includes two longitudinal frame beams 12 having forward endportions that are secured at distal forward ends to a transverse forwardframe brace 102. A receiving hitch 103 is connected to the forward framebrace 102 and provides a connection point from which the apparatus ispropelled or towed.

Secured to and extending longitudinally rearward from the forward framebrace 102 at a slight positive angle relative to the longitudinal framebeams 12 are a plurality of lift assembly brackets 104. See FIG. 1B.First and second lift assembly shafts 84 perpendicularly traverse andare pivotally supported by the lift assembly brackets 104. Additionally,the distal ends of the lift assembly brackets 104 are buttressed by asupport plate 87 secured substantially vertically between the liftassembly shaft 84 and the rear end portions of the two longitudinalframe beams 12.

The preferred lift assembly shaft 84 further includes arm assembly forks106 extending downward between which arm assemblies 20 can be pivotallysuspended. Each arm assembly 20 comprises a pair of joined parallelbeams between which a fluid distribution disc 42 is rotationallysecurable, the first end portions of each pair being pivotally suspendedfrom an arm assembly fork 106 such that the length of the beams areoriented rearward in the longitudinal direction. The pivotal suspensionof each arm assembly 20 from the frame 10 enables each arm assembly 20to “float” its associated fluid distribution discs 42 on the field orground surface when the apparatus is engaged in fluid injectionoperation.

Two arm assembly 20 designs are preferred for apparatus designs havingtwo or more rows of fluid distribution discs 42. The two preferredalternative designs each have first beam portions angled along thelongitudinal orientation relative to second beam portions. The firstbeam portions correspond to the end pivotally suspended from the armassembly fork 106 and the second beam portions correspond to the seconddistal ends coupled to a fluid distribution disc 42. A first row offluid distribution discs 42 will be coupled to the frame 10 using an armassembly 20 having beam portions with first angle and the second row offluid distribution discs 42 will be coupled to the frame 10 using an armassembly 20 having beam portions with the second greater angle. In bothcases, the arm assemblies 20 are angled downward toward the groundsurface. FIGS. 1B & 1C illustrate side views of the first preferredfluid injection apparatus using two arm assemblies 20 described.

Though the arm assemblies 20 are pivotally suspended from the liftassembly shafts 84, it is preferred that the arm assemblies 20 be biaseddownward towards the ground surface 2 to aid in sufficient tine 60penetration. It follows that the lift assembly shafts 84 have aplurality of biasing brackets 142 extending slightly upward and rearwardpartially over the end portion of the arm assemblies 20. Mechanicalbiasing members or air springs 144 provide the preferred downwardbiasing force for the arm assemblies 20 and are interposed between eachbiasing bracket 142 and each arm assembly 20. The air spring 144 isbiased against the arm assemblies 20 via an air spring brace 146 eitherstatically secured to the arm assembly 20 beam as illustrated in FIG. 2Aor suspended from an extension of the arm assembly as illustrated in theinset in FIG. 2A.

The first preferred embodiment further includes first and secondlongitudinal levers 8 that extend substantially the length of the frameand that are each pivotally coupled at medial positions to the secondlift assembly shaft 84. See FIGS. 1A-1C. The levers 8 are also eachpivotally coupled at forward distal end portions to a controllablehydraulic cylinder 82 interposed and pivotally coupled in asubstantially vertical orientation between the forward distal ends ofthe first and second longitudinal levers 8 and the forward frame brace102. Large traveling wheels 86 are coupled at the rearward distal endportions of the chassis levers 8. Extending the controllable hydrauliccylinder 82 forces the chassis levers 8 upward thereby elevating theframe components and the fluid distribution discs 42 off the groundsurface and resting the mass of the apparatus on the frame and thetraveling wheels 86. Further, since the arm assemblies 20 are pivotallysuspended from the lift assembly shaft 84, the arm assemblies 20 areprevented from complete revolutions about the shaft 84 by limitedextendibility of the mechanical biasing member (i.e. the air spring 144)or alternatively from a brake extending from the shaft that contacts thearm assembly to halt complete rotation of the arm assembly. Thiselevated orientation is illustrated in FIG. 1C and facilitatestransporting the apparatus to and from the field that is to be treatedwhile avoiding contact of the fluid distribution discs 42 with theground surface or roads. In contrast, compressing the controllablehydraulic cylinder 82 allows the levers 8 to descend thereby allowingthe frame components to descend and the fluid distribution discs 42 tocontact the ground surface.

An axle 32 is rotationally coupled at the second distal end or endportion of each arm assembly 20 and couples the fluid distributioncomponents to the arm assemblies 20. As described herein, the fluiddistribution components are illustrated in FIG. 4A-4C and comprise afluid distribution disc 42, a bushing 44 coupled to the fluiddistribution disc 42, a plate or disc valve 46 in contact with thebushing 44. A hub 50 attaches to the axle 32 end and secures the plateor disc valve 46 in place. The axle 32 penetrates the origin of each ofthe fluid distribution disc 42, the bushing 44, the disc valve 46, andthe hub 50. Each of these components are “stacked” on the axle 32 andsecured inside the arm assembly 20 beam portions using one or morebolts.

The fluid distribution disc 42 comprises an inner rim surface 421, anouter perimeter surface 422; and an interior surface 424 influid-communication with the outer perimeter surface 422 via a pluralityof fluid distribution disc channels 426. The inner rim surface 421rotates concentrically about the axle 32 with the aid of ball bearings423 interposed between the rotating inner rim surface 421 and the axle32 surface. The interior surface 424 is preferably concentricallyparallel to the outer perimeter surface 422 but could also be radiallyperpendicular to the outer perimeter surface 422 provided that the outerperimeter surface 422 and the interior surface are influid-communication via the plurality of fluid distribution discchannels 426 and the bearings 423 remain in contact with a fluiddistribution disc 42 surface and the axle 32. Further, “interior” asused to describe the interior surface 424 refers merely to a location ona radial portion of the fluid distribution disc 42 that is not on theouter perimeter surface. FIGS. 4B-4C illustrate a preferred fluiddistribution disc 42 assembly. The preferred fluid distribution disc 42assembly includes an outer perimeter band 418 into which the tines 60are securable and an inner disc 419 that supplies the bulk of the massof the fluid distribution disc 42 and to which the bushing 44 issecurable.

The bushing 44 has a plurality of bushing channels 446 and is securableto the fluid distribution disc 42 wherein at least a portion of thebushing surface is adjacent to the fluid distribution interior surface424 and the bushing channels 446 and the fluid distribution discchannels 426 are in fluid-communication. The preferred bushing 44 isillustrated in FIG. 6A and is disc shaped and composed of nylon or otherequivalent material that is resilient and slick relative to thecoincident or contacting metal surface of the disc valve 46. Thepreferred bushing 44 structure further comprises a bushing perimetersurface 442 and a bushing radial surface 444 in fluid-communication viathe plurality of bushing channels 446. Thus, the plurality of bushingchannels 446 within the bushing 44 substantially comprise an elbowstructure that are accessible via the bushing radial surface 444. Thebushing 44 also has an aperture though its origin to receive the axle32.

The plate or disc valve 46 is biased against the bushing 44, and inparticular the bushing radial surface 444. The preferred disc valve 46illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7C and is disc shaped and comprises a disc valveperimeter surface 461, a disc valve radial surface 462, and an oppositeradial disc valve surface 464. The disc valve 46 further has an aperturethrough its origin to receive the axle 32.

The disc valve 46 is biased against and in rotational contact with thebushing 44, and is also rotationally coupled to the fluid distributiondisc interior surface 424 via bearings or rollers 463 interposed betweenthe disc valve perimeter surface 461 and fluid distribution discinterior surface 424. The disc valve 46 further comprises a disc valvechannel 466 that provides fluid communication between the disc valveradial surface 462 and the opposite radial disc valve surface 464. Thus,the disc valve channel 466 periodically aligns with, and is in fluidcommunication with, each of the bushing channels 446 as the fluiddistribution disc 42 rotates about the axle 32. Accordingly, the discvalve channel 466 experiences fluid-communication sequentially with eachof the plurality of fluid distribution disc channels 426.

The preferred disc valve channel 466 is depicted in FIG. 7B andcomprises a narrowing cylindrical volume such that the disc valvechannel 466 aperture on the opposite radial disc valve surface 464 iswider than the disc valve channel 466 aperture on the disc valve radialsurface 462. The narrowing cylindrical volume augments the fluidpressure within the disc valve channel 466. The preferred manner ofbiasing the disc valve 46 against the bushing 44 is using at least twosources of biasing force. Springs 468 partially recessed within theopposite radial disc valve surface 464 in spring wells 467 are biasedfrom against the hub 50 and supply the biasing forces. The at least twobiasing forces are preferably applied on the opposite radial disc valvesurface 464 one-hundred eighty degrees (180 deg.) apart on oppositesides of the axle 32. Additionally, the fluid flow path through the discvalve provides a hydraulic bias to assist the springs 468 andfacilitates a condition of hydraulic balance for the disc valve 46.

As the fluid distribution disc 42 rotates, the disc valve channel 426periodically aligns with each bushing channel 446. The relatively lowresistance to fluid flow through an aligned bushing channel 446 and discvalve channel 426, and the biasing of the disc valve radial surface 462against the bushing radial surface 444 results in a fluid sealingjunction between the disc valve radial surface 464 and the bushingradial surface 444, with a intermittent fluid flow path between the discvalve 46 and the bushing 44.

The preferred hub 50 is illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8B and has an hub outerradial surface 54 and a hub inner radial surface 56 in fluidcommunication via a hub fluid port 52. The preferred hub fluid port 52comprises two cylindrical volumes characterized by two cylindricallyshaped volumes with radii that partially overlap within the body of thehub 50. Further, a hub tube 58 is interposed between and partiallywithin the hub fluid port 52 and the disc valve channel 466 volumes. Thehub inner radial surface 56 also has a lip 57 that concentricallyreceives the disc valve perimeter surface 461. Finally, the hub 50 isheld in place over the axle 32 and against the disc valve 46 with a boltthat is secured through the arm assembly 20.

At least one, but preferably a plurality of, fluid injection tines 60are coupled to the fluid distribution disc channels 426 via apertures inthe fluid distribution disc perimeter surface 461. Each tine 60comprises a substantially conical structure and has a tine channel 62extending inside from the base portion to the tip of the conicalstructure as illustrated in FIG. 12. It is preferred that the baseportions of the tines 60 are threaded to match that of apertures in thedisc valve perimeter surface 461 that access each of the fluiddistribution disc channels 426. Each tine 60 is constructed from asturdy metal and penetrates the surface of the ground when the fluiddistribution disc 42 is rolling over the surface of the ground. It isfurther preferred that the base portion of the tine 60 have a structuresuitable for receipt of a wrench used to tighten and loosen the tine 60from the fluid distribution disc 42. As illustrated in FIG. 5B, it ispreferred that each fluid distribution disc 42 have two rows of tines 60extending from the disc valve perimeter surface 461 are preferablyoffset on a diagonal on the disc valve perimeter surface 461 to improvethe distribution of fluid into the ground from the fluid distributiondisc 42.

A fluid reservoir 70 is attached to the frame and is coupled to the hubfluid ports 52 of each fluid distribution disc by way of a fluiddistribution circuit as illustrated in FIG. 17. The fluid distributioncircuit comprises several components to assist in the efficient todistribution of fluid to the fluid distribution discs 42. Particularly,at least one controllable valve is included in the fluid distributioncircuit for controllably porting fluid from the fluid reservoir 70 toeach of the hub fluid ports 52.

Although FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate a first preferred alternative for afluid injection apparatus, several alternative fluid injection apparatusdesigns are capable of incorporating aspects of the invention. FIGS.14A-14C illustrate a second preferred alternative for a fluid injectionapparatus. The second preferred alternative design also uses a framecomprising first and second longitudinal frame beams 12. However, thefirst and second longitudinal frame beams 12 extend longitudinallyrearward initially at a slight upward angle and then substantiallyhorizontally to form a base upon which the fluid reservoir 110 issupported at rearward portions of the longitudinal frame beams 12. Twoor more wheels 84 are coupled to the distal end portions of thelongitudinal frame beams 12 to assist transport of the apparatus.

The second alternative embodiment also has both a fluid injectionorientation and a traveling orientation. Similarly to the previousembodiment, the second embodiment fluid injection orientation ischaracterized by the arm assemblies 20 pivotally suspended from the liftassembly shaft 84 and the fluid distribution discs 42 and tines 60connected thereto in contact with the ground surface. Manipulating thefluid distribution discs 42 into or out of contact with the groundsurface is facilitated by two controllable hydraulic cylinders 82. Thecontrollable hydraulic cylinders 82 are secured to the medial horizontalportions of the longitudinal frame beams 12 and oriented to extend thepiston in a forward longitudinal direction.

A first lever arm 88 and a second lever arm 88 extend substantiallyvertically from the rear and forward lift assembly shafts 84,respectively, and pivotally connect with the hydraulic cylinder 82pistons. A lever arm extension 89 is coupled to the second lever arm 88and extends rearward and upward to pivotally connect with the hydrauliccylinder 82 pistons. Extending the hydraulic cylinder 82 piston willforce the lever arms 88 in a forward direction thereby rotating the rearand forward lift assembly shafts 84 in a counterclockwise direction andlifting the arm assemblies 20 and the fluid distribution discs 42attached thereto off of the ground. Alternatively, compressing thehydraulic cylinder 82 piston will permit rear and forward lift assemblyshafts 84 to rotate clockwise and lower the arm assemblies 20 and thefluid distribution discs 42 onto the ground.

FIGS. 15A-15B illustrate yet a third alternative of the fluid injectionapparatus. The third preferred alternative design also has a framecomprising first and second longitudinal frame beams 12. The first andsecond longitudinal frame beams 12 extend longitudinally rearward at aslight upward angle and then join with horizontally oriented frame beams108 which are supported by vertically oriented braces 109 secured to andextending upward from the forward frame brace 102. The fluid reservoir110 is positioned atop the horizontally oriented frame beams 108. Two ormore wheels 84 are coupled to the distal end portions of the first andsecond longitudinal frame beams 12 using supports 111 that extenddiagonally downward from of the longitudinal frame beams 12 to assisttransport of the apparatus. The arm assemblies 20 and fluid distributiondiscs 42 are raised and lowered to not contact and to contact the groundsurface in a manner and by hardware similar to the second embodimentdescribed above.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference toone or more particular preferred embodiments, persons possessingordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains willappreciate that various modifications and enhancements may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid distribution apparatus for ground treatment, comprising: a frame comprising at least two longitudinally oriented frame beams, a first transverse shaft pivotally interposed between the two longitudinally oriented frame beams, and a traveling wheel rotationally coupled to each of the at least two longitudinally oriented frame beams; the first transverse shaft further comprises a lever arm extending from the first transverse shaft, and an extendable mast is coupled to the frame coupled in a substantially tangential orientation to the lever arm; an arm assembly pivotally suspended from the first transverse shaft at a first end portion of the arm assembly; an axle coupled to a second end portion of the arm assembly; a fluid distribution disc having an outer perimeter surface and an inner surface in fluid-communication via a plurality of fluid distribution disc channels, the fluid distribution disc channels having tines coupled thereto, the fluid distribution disc coupled to the axle, and a fluid reservoir coupled to the fluid distribution disc.
 2. The fluid distribution apparatus in claim 1 wherein, the first transverse shaft further comprises, a biasing bracket extending longitudinally rearward and partially over the pivotally suspended arm assembly, and a mechanical biaser is interposed between the biasing bracket and the arm assembly.
 3. The fluid distribution apparatus in claim 1 wherein, the extendable mast comprises a controllable hydraulic cylinder.
 4. The fluid distribution apparatus in claim 1 wherein, the frame comprises a second transverse shaft pivotally interposed between the two longitudinally oriented frame beams and an arm assembly pivotally suspended there from, the second transverse shaft also comprising a lever arm extending from the second transverse shaft and an extension coupled thereto between the extendable mast and the second transverse shaft; the extendable mast having at least two positions, a first position wherein the fluid distribution discs are elevated from the ground, and a second position wherein the fluid distribution discs are in contact with the ground surface.
 5. The fluid distribution apparatus in claim 1 wherein, the two longitudinally oriented frame beams have a forward frame brace coupled transversely between first portions of the two longitudinally oriented frame beams, the two longitudinally oriented frame beams angling upward and extending rearward longitudinally for second portions.
 6. The fluid distribution apparatus in claim 5 wherein, the two longitudinally oriented frame beams are angled relative to the second portions for third portions.
 7. The fluid distribution apparatus in claim 6 wherein, the fluid reservoir is coupled to the third portions.
 8. The fluid distribution apparatus in claim 6 wherein, each traveling wheel is coupled to each of the two longitudinally oriented frame beams with a strut that is swivleably connected to a rear frame brace interposed in a transverse orientation between the two longitudinally oriented frame beams.
 9. The fluid distribution apparatus in claim 1 wherein, the frame further comprises a second transverse shaft interposed between the two longitudinally oriented frame beams, and a plurality of arm assemblies being pivotally suspended from the first and second transverse shafts.
 10. The fluid distribution apparatus in claim 9 wherein, each of the arm assemblies is pivotally suspended from either the first or second transverse shaft by forks extending radially from each transverse shaft forming first and second rows of fluid distribution discs.
 11. The fluid distribution apparatus in claim 9 wherein, the arm assemblies comprise first portions that are angled relative to second portions.
 12. The fluid distribution apparatus in claim 11 wherein, the arm assemblies coupled to the first transverse shaft are angled relative to the second end portions with a first angle, and the arm assemblies coupled to the second transverse shaft are angled relative to second portions with a second angle.
 13. The fluid distribution apparatus in claim 1 wherein: the arm assembly comprises two beams coupled together by a transverse bracket and the fluid distribution disc is interposed between the two beams.
 14. A fluid distribution apparatus for ground treatment, comprising: a frame having two longitudinally oriented frame beams and a reservoir platform; a traveling wheel coupled to the rear portion of the frame and in contact with the ground; an arm assembly, having a first end portion of the arm assembly pivotally suspended from a first shaft coupled transversely between each of the two longitudinally oriented frame beams, the first shaft further comprises a lever extending from the first shaft; and an extendable mast having a first mast end coupled to the frame and a second mast end coupled tangentially to the lever; the extendable mast has at least two positions, a first position wherein the fluid distribution discs contact the ground, and a second position wherein the fluid distribution discs are elevated from the ground; an axle coupled to a second end portion of the arm assembly; a fluid distribution disc having an outer perimeter surface and an inner surface in fluid-communication via a plurality of fluid distribution disc channels, the fluid distribution disc channels further having tines coupled thereto, the fluid distribution disc rotationally coupled to the axle, and means for coupling a fluid reservoir to the fluid distribution disc.
 15. The fluid distribution apparatus in claim 14 wherein: the reservoir platform comprises third and forth longitudinally oriented frame beams coupled at first portions to first portions of the first and second longitudinally frame beams by a strut interposed substantially vertically there between, and the third and forth longitudinally oriented frame beams coupled at second portions to second portions of the first and second longitudinally oriented frame beams.
 16. The fluid distribution apparatus in claim 14 wherein, the traveling wheel is coupled to a strut descending from the rear portions of the longitudinally oriented frame beams.
 17. The fluid distribution apparatus in claim 14 wherein, the first shaft further comprises a biasing bracket extending rearward and partially over the arm assembly; and a mechanical biaser is interposed between the biasing bracket and the arm assembly.
 18. The fluid distribution apparatus in claim 14 wherein, a plurality of arm assemblies are pivotally suspending from the first shaft and a plurality of arm assemblies are pivotally suspended from a second shaft interposed between the two longitudinally oriented frame beams. 